All Locations > Colorado > Golden > Golden Gate Canyon SP

[Redacted]

Climbing Area Map

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	[Redacted] T 5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a
	Squawk T 5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a PG13

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Elevation:	9,896 ft
GPS:	39.87548, -105.42313 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	9,712 total · 36/month
Shared By:	Leo Paik on Apr 5, 2002
Admins:	Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC Page Updates (admin only)

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Access Issue: State Park - Fee Required. Details

Golden Gate Canyon is a State Park and a $10 (2021) fee is required for entrance. Cash/Check only accepted; Self serve kiosks exist throughout the park. Annual passes can be purchased for $60.

Description

Hmmm. This is an intriguing, little, granite spire in the higher parts of Golden Gate Canyon SP. As you drive along the road past Panorama Point toward the Harmsen Ranch, this little spire will call out to you. It is obvious from the road. This is different in shape than your classic Castle Rock type spire. It appears contorted and resemble a corkscrew. You will just wonder whether it has been climbed before. Well...it has. By one of the early climbers based upon the fixed hardware on the rock. Perhaps Layton? Rap 80 feet from fixed gear on top.

The GPS location is a bit of a guess based upon satellite imaging.

Apparently, the word is that this spire may have been first ascended by the great Layton Kor.

Getting There

From Golden, head North on CO Hwy 93, then West on Golden Gate Canyon Rd, perhaps 18 miles to the park, go to Kriley Pond, turn right and follow a switchbacked road to a gravel road. Follow the sign to Panorama Point. Continue briefly up this same gravel road. Crest a small saddle and find Harmsen Ranch on your left. Park some place legal. The spire is obvious. Get a decent bearing since you will lose sight of the spire most of the time while in the forest. Hike up the hill (perhaps NW?, right angle from the road) 20 minutes or so. Definitely a micro-explore. You can go cross country from here to the 2nd buttress of Mt. Thorodin with perhaps an additional 30 minutes jaunt left. If you do this, follow the blunt crest back to the road and walk on the road to your car.

Parking

Get this figured out before you leave the car. Tickets will damper your mood if you don't.

Access through Harmsen Ranch (private) is not acceptable at this time. Please try to find legal access. Further directions from the Park may help elucidate this in the future.